HERITAGE + URBANISM : THE CENOTAPH PRECINCT UPGRADE

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17/Nov/16

Just a quick one to point to our recent work for the Cenotaph Precinct Upgrade. A project we worked closely with Wellington City Council’s Urban Design unit and Artist Joe Sheehan. After more than a year of use by the public, we are happy to report the precinct has integrated wonderfully into the city’s fabric to become a well-used venue for events such as ANZAC day commemorations and everyday activities.

Given the considerable heritage value of the site, the project was largely an exercise in careful editing to enable an urban square and wide stair/seating to both function in today’s urban context, while respecting what came before.

‘Walk the Line’ artwork interpreting the historical Wai-Piro Stream by artist Joe Sheehan, subtly expresses the site’s natural history. A sinuous line of pounamu and jade paving inserts trace a notional stream course that is brought to life by a series of hidden speakers dispersing sounds of Wellington streams. – NC